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Achieve
JUNE 2012 ISSUE 16
LEADERS IN CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP
SET – developing
future engineers
and artisans
Quality in teaching and
learning under scrutiny
1
TALKING NOTES | A VIEW FROM THE TOP | EVENTS OF THE QUARTER ISO 9001:2008
Vision
Leaders in closing the skills gap.
Mission
To increase access to high quality and
relevant skills development and training
oppertunities to support economic
growth in order to reduce inequalities and
unemployment and to promote employability
and participation in the economy.
2 Achieve June
ISO 9001:2008 2012
Contents Achieve JUNE 2012 Issue 16
SETA NEWS
4 Talking notes
on the cover
SET Learners 5 A view from the top
6 SET – developing future engineers and artisans
FEATURES
10 Introducing the new merSETA Governing Board
12 Wheels rolling at BMW SA to train 1300 post-school youth
14 RGC advances skills development
18 Quality in teaching and learning under scrutiny
20 Santam launches learnership programme
PG. 6 22 New decentralised trade centre established in the Eastern Cape
SET – developing future engineers 23 AA and the merSETA join forces
and artisans
24 Eskom launches new welding initiative
SUCCESS STORIES
26 Brandon set to shake the world
28 2011 merSETA bursary graduates – headline: the merSETA would
like to congratulate the following merSETA bursary holders who
PG. 18
Quality in teaching and learning graduated last year
under scrutiny
EVENTS
31 The merSETA joins in the hosting of South African Automotive Week
34 Events of the quarter
Write to: The Editor, Achieve Newsletter, P.O. Box 61826, Marshalltown, 2107
or email: achievenewsletter@merseta.org.za
PG. 26
Brandon set to shake the world
Publisher Contributors
merSETA Dr Raymond Patel
Editor BMW South Africa
Sibongiseni Ziinjiva Ka-Mnguni RGC Engineering
Design, Photography & Printing
Tenaka’s Tribe ( www.tenaka.co.za )
Views and editorial opinion expressed in the merSETA newsletter are not necessarily those of merSETA, the publication or the publisher. 3
From the Editor
Talking Notes
June is Youth Month and we selected as a theme the adage: Science, engineering and
technology, the future. The merSETA has positioned itself as the leading SETA for youth
development by placing major emphasis on technical skills. In this edition, we reflect on
what we have done and achieved, taking into consideration the successes we have had in
advancing the youth agenda.
T
aking a look at our successes in the post-school youth. We also bring you up speed with the
2011/12 year, the merSETA trained more tooling industry, including our bursary holder, Brandon
than 18 500 young people in formal Kiesman. His journey has been both a rollercoaster ride
learnerships with 8 822 successfully and a fairytale.
completing the process. Furthermore,
about 9 000 unemployed learners Should you have graduation ceremonies, the launch of
completed their training and studies. projects or other interesting skills development stories and
pictures, kindly send them to:
In addition, in those critical skills programmes covered by
sector agreements with FET college and HET institutions, achieve@merseta.org.za
learners were assisted in gaining work experience locally
and abroad, at least 70% of them found placement in Disclaimer: Please note, the editor reserves the right
employment or self-employment. About 3 000 learners to withhold articles due to space limitations or for any
were assisted and 800 were formally employed. other reason.
Mindful that a nation that does not invest in its youth
has no future and does not deserve one, we recently Be blessed!
celebrated the artisans who have qualified through the
AATP system up to the year 2012. We must continue our
quest to ensure that young people acquire the relevant
skills to boost the manufacturing and engineering sector.
I urge you to read these thought-provoking pieces and find
out how merSETA is changing the lives of South Africans.
Sibongiseni
We also profile the science, engineering and technology Ziinjiva Ka-Mnguni
project, which is aimed at increasing the flow of skills Editor
in the scientific and engineering industries. The South
African Automotive Week is gaining momentum; this is
where thought leaders in the automotive sector meet and
discuss solutions to the challenges at hand. I urge you to
register for the conference at www.saaw.co.za
We also look at the previous quarter’s events and focus
on the partnerships the merSETA struck recently with
Northlink FETC and the Automobile Association. Staying
with the automotive sector, BMW SA will take a lead role
in the automotive sector with an initiative to train 1 300
4 Achieve June 2012
CEO’s Column
A view
from the top
The economic crisis plaguing Europe is still having severe repercussions on our economy,
with trade between the northern hemisphere and our shores at lower levels than in the
previous three years. But our public spend will keep our economy stable.
G
overnor of the Reserve Bank Ms for tourism and business processes. We are focusing
Gill Marcus warned earlier this month on the necessary outsourcing and cross-cutting skills
that the global economy was in a “very, required by all sectors, especially finance, project
very precarious situation”, adding managers and managers in general.
that this would impact on South
Africa through reduced trade, lower At least 23 000 artisans will begin training in 2012
commodity prices and weak growth. sponsored by all artisan-focused SETAs. Further,
the creation, research, management and fostering of
While this might sound gloomy, the reverse is true. partnerships between SETAs, higher education and the
Government is set to spend more than R800-billion in further education and training sectors remains a key
national infrastructural projects, with thousands of jobs programme of ours.
being created.
We are well aware of the need for coherence and
“The massive investment in infrastructure must leave articulation in our qualifications framework, including
more than just power stations, rail-lines, dams and roads. the integration of theory and practice (apprenticeships,
It must industrialise the country, generate skills and boost learnerships, internships and candidacies – workplace
much needed job creation,” President Jacob Zuma said pedagogy), access, career mapping and pathways.
in his State of the Nation Address. Understanding the realities, demands and challenges
of the labour market and the knowledge economy are
Overall R802-billion in public infrastructure development crucial to our success.
will be spent over the next three years.
Given the huge financial outlay, we are girding our loins
This includes: to continue making a difference to our economy. The
• R292-billion in South Africa’s energy sector including merSETA has performed in a sterling manner in the last
Eskom’s programmes; four years. The next three years will be even better.
• R39-billion in hospitals and clinics;
• R226-billion in transport and logistics;
• R32-billion in education infrastructure; and Thank you.
• Transnet’s R300-billion in capital projects.
The opportunities for massive training and employment are Sincerely,
enormous. Yes, South Africa has a serious lack of high-level,
world-class engineering and planning skills for the “network
industries” - transport, communications and energy - which
are at the core of our infrastructural programme.
There is also a dire lack of artisan and technical skills.
But government and industry are gearing up to meet
these shortfalls by giving priority to these infrastructural Dr Raymond Patel
building blocks. CEO
merSETA
As SETAs, we are focusing on creating training
opportunities to ease the lack of specific skills required
5
SETA News
SET – developing
future engineers
and artisans
By Sibongiseni Ziinjiva Ka-Mnguni
The Science, Engineering and Technology Project (SET) has once more
exceeded expectations. The project is spearheaded by the merSETA in
partnership with Star Schools.
E
arlier this year, Minister of Basic The objective is to develop a strategy and plan for the
Education Angie Motshekga highlighted future implementation of a science, engineering and
the challenges and plans to enhance technology capacity-building initiative in schools, based
the quality of Mathematics and Physical on the promotion of linkages within companies in the
Science. manufacturing and related services sector.
Last year, 104 033 learners passed Mathematics while The project is one of the merSETA’s responses to
96 441 learners passed Physical Science, she said. Government’s approach to improving the quality of life
for all South Africans.
“We have a strategy in place which we will vigorously
implement this year to improve the pass rate and the In its third year of implementation, the project had an
quality of Mathematics and Physical Science – the intake of 300 learners in the 2011 academic year; Grade
National Strategy for Mathematics, Science and 12 learners had a 98% pass rate, with 78 distinctions
Technology Education. A vital cog in our strategy is and 73% university entrance passes.
to work with partners, including those in the private
sector, higher education institutions and NGOs,” she Excited about the results, SET Project Manager
pointed out. Azwifaneli Tshisikamulilo reported that the merSETA
Incubator School learners achieved a pass rate of
In response to the country’s skills shortage and the 99%. “The Mathematics pass rate is 91% and the
government’s call for partnerships, the merSETA Physical Science an impressive 96%. An astonishing 78
launched the SET project in 2009 to increase the pool of distinctions were achieved,” he said. “It must, however,
science, engineering and technology learners. be noted that there has been a disappointing drop of
6 Achieve June 2012
“Last year 104 033
learners passed
Mathematics, while
96 441 learners
passed Physical
Science... ”
SET learners hard at work
7
SETA News
“...learners are sourced from
underperforming schools,
in areas where poverty and
hunger is a way of life.”
10% in the achievement of Bachelor passes from 83%
in 2010 to 73% in 2011. We attribute this partly to the
hard financial times that many families faced. Providing
transport money for their children to get to classes
on Saturdays was a luxury many could ill afford, the
consequence of which meant learners missed out on
certain important sections of work.
Despite the challenges, 219 learners qualified to study
for university degrees and a further 65 were eligible for
acceptance for Diploma and University of Technology
courses respectively.
Azwifaneli said learners are sourced from underperforming
schools, in areas where poverty and hunger is a way of
life. “The incubator programme has enabled them to
achieve what is almost impossible for many of their peers.
This provision of a supportive education system has
given them the opportunity to enter the doors of higher
education institutions,” he said.
The serious concern is around the number of passes
in Mathematics nationally – 104 033 in 2011 – which
is less than the 124 749 of 2010. The pass rate for
Mathematics was 46.3% in 2011, a decline from 47.4%
in 2010. The pass rate for Physical Science in 2011 was
53,4% as compared to 47.8% in 2010.
The number of passes in Mathematical Literacy was
236 548 for 2011 compared to 241 576 for 2010.
Employers and the industry have raised concerns about
the declining pass rate in our schools. In 2008 the pass
rate was 60.8%, in 2009 it stood at 62.5% and in 2010,
the pass rate shot up to 67.8%. This represented an
increase of 7.2%.
Azwifaneli described the courageous performance by
learners as a sign of good things to come and urged the
2012 class to do even better. “The merSETA is indeed
encouraged by the outstanding morale learners have
displayed with many having made major sacrifices to
achieve their goals,” he concluded.
8 Achieve June 2012
Anti-clockwise from top: Science, Engineering and Technology Project Manager Azwifaneli Tshisikamulilo and SET Learners
9
Features
Introducing the
New merSETA
Governing Board
members
This is the third and last segment introducing the merSETA Governing Board
members to our stakeholders and the public at large. In our March edition we
introduced the following Board members: Ms Janet Lopes, Mr Thapelo Molapo,
Mr Xolani Tshayana and Mr Anton Hanekom.
Alex Mashilo
Member of the Governing Board
Ministerial Appointee
Education and training
• Master of Arts (MA) Degree (Wits) (Labour Policy and Globalisation)
• National Diploma - Engineering
• NQF 7 Diploma (GIMT) - Labour Law
• Trade Certificate (COTT, now INDLELA) - Engineering, Electrician
• Senior Certificate and N3 Certificate
Experience
Presently working for NUMSA as Head of Department for organising, campaigns and
collective bargaining.
Previously served in NUMSA as national education officer and head of department of
education and training, head of election campaign and spokesperson.
Received training and worked in the automotive industry, served since matriculation
to date as community activist with focus on youth and matters affecting them,
education and training being one.
reviously served in student leadership at institution level, provincially and nationally in
P
further education and training.
Previously served on the Energy Sector Education and Training Authority.
10 Achieve June 2012Fiona Tregenna
Member of the Governing Board
Ministerial Appointee
Experience
Currently Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Econometrics at the
University of Johannesburg.
Previously worked in the economic policy field in South Africa, at universities in South Africa and
abroad, and as a consultant to various research institutes and international organisations.
Holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Cambridge, a Master’s degree in Economics
from the University of Massachusetts, and degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand
and the University of KwaZulu Natal.
Has presented her research at many conferences around the world and her work has been
published in a number of books and international journals.
Jakkie Olivier
Member of the Governing Board
Organised Employer
Experience
19 years in the Retail Motor and Component Manufacturing Industry
Serves on Boards of RMI, MIFA (Pty) Ltd, MHC Medical Aid Fund and MIBCO.
Last 12 years actively involved in Skills Development within the Retail and Motor Component
Industries through the merSETA structure (previously also on the Motor Industry Training
Board – MITB) and the RMI Training Department.
John Wilson
Member of the Governing Board
Organised Employer
Experience
Responsible for the training and development of employees throughout the group including
Learnerships, Apprenticeships, In-Service Trainees, Supervisory and Management Development.
Development and control of Workplace Skills Plans and Strategic Planning initiatives
2003 - Current Group Manager Training and Development, Apollo Tyres
1982 - 2003 Training Manager: The Lion Match Co.
1980 - 1982 Training Officer (Engineering and Production)
1979 - 1980 Toolroom Foreman
1975 - 1979 Tool and Diemaker
8 years’ SETA Experience (Merseta)
3 years’ SETA Experience (F.I.E.T.A.)
Deon Reyneke
Member of the Governing Board
Organised Labour
Experience
Started working for Eskom at the Matimba PowerStation in 1990. Worked for Eskom
for 20 years involved in trade union activities for several years as a full time shop
steward in Eskom.
Thereafter, appointed permanently in Solidarity and worked as an Organiser in Eskom,
Telkom and then the Metal and Engineering sector. After five years appointed as Head of
the Metal and Engineering sector.
11Features
WHEELS ROLLING AT
BMW SA TO TRAIN
1300 POST-SCHOOL
YOUTH
By Independent Correspondent
In 2012, BMW SA will take a lead role in the
automotive sector with an initiative to train 1300
post-school youth.
A
lthough BMW SA has been a loyal The NSDS lll states that priority must be given to
supporter of skills development during strengthening the relationship between FETCs, SETAs
the past 12 years, this massive project and employers. The partnership agreement is in line with
will be ground-breaking in the context this directive as evidenced by the on-going cooperation
of the third National Skills Development between BMW SA, ORBIT colleges, ARVATO and
Strategy (NSDS lll). In the strategy there merSETA throughout the planning stages.
is a particular emphasis on providing access to learning
opportunities for post-school learners, specifically Emphasis on work-integrated learning
work-integrated learning opportunities. In this respect, Nick van Rensburg, Technical Training Manager at BMW
the BMW SA initiative could be seen as a vote of SA, explained that the post-school youth project is aimed at
confidence in the NSDS lll and the South African youth. preparing the learners for work-readiness to ensure greater
employability. The BMW SA project leader, Kobus Potgieter
FET College public-private partnership stated that theoretical and basic practical training that was
The project will be rolled out in a public-private done at the Mankwe Campus needs to be topped up with
partnership between a public Further Education and training in the actual work place, hence the importance
Training (FET) College called ORBIT colleges and a of opportunities created in occupational training initiatives
private FET provider, ARVATO. The ORBIT college is where applied practice is integral to the learning process.
located in the North West province. There are three
campuses at Rustenburg, Brits and Mankwe, in relatively “The project is therefore aimed at opening possible
close proximity to the BMW SA plant in Rosslyn, employment doors for the learners. On completion of
Pretoria. The merSETA facilitated the collaboration the training, learners should be more employable in the
between all the role players where BMW SA will act as automotive manufacturing sector and the related supplier
the lead employer. network,” added Mr. Potgieter.
12 Achieve June 2012From Left, Sunette Aylward(ARVATO), Henno Swanepoel (ORBIT), Kobus Potgieter (BMW SA, Project Leader), Maryna Marais (ORBIT, CEO),
Cyril Khambula (BMW SA, HR Director), Solly Matjiane (ORBIT), Nick van Rensburg (BMW SA, Technical Training Manager).
BMW SA project deliverables
The BMW SA project’s training deliverables will revolve
The BMW SA public-
around three skills programmes, namely basic skills
for automotive body construction, automotive body
private partnership
panel assembling and vehicle testing and components
adjustment. These skills programmes form part of
should lay a foundation
the NQF Level 2 National Certificate in Automotive
Manufacturing and Assembly (NCAMA).
for all the parties
A learner intake will be done on both the body
involved to develop the
construction learning programmes, as well as on the body
panel assembling programme. A prerequisite for entering
required infrastructure
any one of the three skills programmes is Grade 12,
with an average pass of 50% and above. The respective
for future collaboration
skills programmes are four months long, inclusive of the
compulsory applied practical component.
Sustainability
The BMW SA public-private partnership should lay a
foundation for all the parties involved to develop the
required infrastructure for future collaboration. On-going
project monitoring and evaluation will also be able to
inform further education and training development
concepts. Both Nick van Rensburg and Kobus Potgieter
expressed their enthusiasm on BMW SA’s initiative, aimed
at building sustainable partnerships and preparing post-
school youth for decent work opportunities.
13Features
RGC advances
skills
development
The shortage of toolmakers in South Africa is a serious threat to direct investment and
job creation. RGC Engineering in partnership with the Toolmaking Association of South
Africa (TASA) is on a crusade to revitalise the industry. The South African Manufacturing
sector contributes 40% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product, writes Sibongiseni
Ziinjiva Ka-Mnguni.
R
GC Engineering (PTY) Ltd was cover all sectors and on the tooling products we mainly
established in 1960 by Rolando deal with the aeronautical, automotive and packaging
Grech-Cumbo as a small business in industries,” says Mr Grech-Cumbo.
Johannesburg with two Tool and Cutter
Grinders. At the time, it provided a tool- Challenges facing the industry
sharpening service to local engineering A serious challenge facing the industry is the shortage of
firms. Current CEO, Mr Aurelio Grech-Cumbo, son of skilled toolmakers. According to Mr Grech-Cumbo, there
Rolando, took over the reins in 1994 and aims to keep is significant capacity for toolmaking in the country.
RGC on the cutting edge of development and technology.
“We haven’t been training toolmakers in SA seriously
Dedicated to supplying quality products with the highest since 1987, and we basically have been left behind on
standards of accuracy, the company’s range increased a world comparative standard. This is mainly due to the
to the design and manufacture of specially produced lack of development of an education curriculum from our
form tools, jigs and fixtures. It also introduced NC & technical schools up to universities.
CNC machining of high precision tooling and small batch
components, leading subsequently to a full High Precision “However, we are currently addressing that with an
Manufacturing facility being established. initiative with TASA, called the National Tooling Initiative
Programme (NTIP). This programme looks at bringing
“We are fairly specialised. We work mainly on high- back the skills, working through colleges and universities
precision tooling, high-tech equipment and we also to bring them up to date with internationally acceptable
manufacture specialised inspection and gauging systems standards to the industry.
as well as specialised fixturing, and work holding fixtures.
The company also manufactures specialised tooling for “We are developing the curriculum for toolmaking and
moulding and injection moulding and die casting. But we are currently busy registering the new toolmaking
our speciality is in the high precision inspection area, curriculum qualification with SAQA. So it will eventually
where we produce specialised inspection systems for the be an internationally recognised tooling qualification.
manufacturing industry. The NTI is now in the second phase, where we have
actually put the necessary curriculum into the colleges
“We cover most sectors because tooling cuts across all for our first basic entry level programme and our first year
manufacturing sectors. On the measuring systems, we apprenticeship. We currently have about 800 toolmaking
14 Achieve June 2012A serious
challenge facing
the industry is
the shortage of
skilled toolmakers.
According to Mr
Grech-Cumbo,
there is significant
capacity for
toolmaking in the
country
Anti-clockwise from top: RGC Engineering CEO Aurelio Grech-Cumbo and RGC employees
15Features
students in seven colleges countrywide. The need is element in the manufacturing process. Because this is
around 6000,” elaborated Mr Grech-Cumbo. the artisan who understands how the tool should be
made and how the tool should be operated in order to
Mr Grech-Cumbo indicated that the pilot programme maximise productivity.”
would be expanded. “We hope that by 2015, we would
have reached the set targets, though this will largely Building partnerships and creating employment
depend on government support and funding to put some Mr Grech-Cumbo points out that Stellenbosch University
facilities in place at the colleges as well as having the currently runs a student exchange programme for
Department of Higher Education and Training on board specialised areas in toolmaking. Benchmarking of the
to assist in developing the programme. SA Toolmaking Industry and specialisation in cluster
development are two areas of importance recently
“We are working with the merSETA for the future addressed by the university.
development of the programme and to get the merSETA
mandate aligned with the NTI programme which is “The universities are very interested in the programme.
aligned with the needs of the industry.” The difficulty is obtaining the funding and getting
people to understand the importance of toolmaking
South Africa currently imports R8-billion worth of for its manufacturing capability. If we want to create
tooling each year but only produces R2-billion worth of jobs, we need to create manufacturing capacity,
tooling, indicating a huge potential for developing the because manufacturing is one of the biggest job
toolmaking capacity. creators in the country.
As most toolmakers are SMEs, the biggest challenge is “We are currently working with National Institute for
finding the correct labour, skill and finance for the capital Metalworking Skills, which is the American standard for
investment that is required for developement. education qualifications, and the curriculum is based
on the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
“Without tools, there is no manufacturing and toolmakers standard USA. But it has been adjusted for South African
are utilised also in running production efficiently. conditions and this will take us to National Qualifications
Framework (NQF) Level 4. Beyond NQF Level 4, we
“Understanding how the tool works and the are cooperating with other technical institutes, mainly
importance of the tool is what actually creates those in Europe, because we have found that the level
productivity and that is why the toolmaker is a critical of education and curriculum available is far better in
16 Achieve June 2012Europe for that standard of education. We also cooperate
“It could be a
with some of the German universities such as Aachen,
Dresden, Chemnitz and the Fraunhofer Institute.” minimum of three
Describing the interest from young people, he says to four years and
there’s enthusiasm, because where manufacturing
was once perceived to be a low end dirty job, it has
since been converted into a high-tech clean job, partly
another four years
due to automation and the hi-tech requirements of the
toolmaking Industry.
for that person to
“It’s a very high-tech industry where you have the get some serious
requirement for high level skills in the design and in
computer-aided programming and machining processes. practical on-the-
Machines are nowadays all high tech which are CNC
controlled, so it’s no longer only manual machinery.” job experience
When asked about the duration of training, Mr Grech-
Cumbo points out that it depends on the capacity of the
and only after
person to acquire those skills. “It could be a minimum of
three to four years and another four years for that person eight to 10 years
to get some serious practical on-the-job experience and
only after eight to 10 years can we safely say we have a can we safely say
Master Toolmaker.”
Toolmaking jobs pay far above average wages because of
we have a Master
the skills needed and the demand for such skills.
Toolmaker.”
The future outlook for the tooling industry
Mr Grech-Cumbo believes that once all stakeholders
come to the party and understand that tool-making is an
essential part of the manufacturing process, they will work
towards achieving their targets.
On job poaching and inward immigration of the skilled
workforce, he is forthright: “Job poaching will never
stop until you have an adequate number of toolmakers
in the market. So the target is to have enough people.
Therefore, our focus is to create a pool of qualified
people who are acceptable in terms of the level of
education required by the industry.
“We need to have people educated to world class
standards. If we want to compete on a world class basis,
we need to have the correct qualifications and skills to be
competitive and comparable to international standards.
Failure to do that will not enable us to be fully productive
and competitive,” concludes Mr Grech-Cumbo.
17Features
Quality in teaching
and learning
under scrutiny
By Independent Correspondent
The first annual quality conference, hosted by Northlink College (SA) and
Blackburn College (UK), was recently held in Cape Town. The theme of the
conference was “Quality in Training and Learning”.
The conference saw about 150 delegates from all over
the country, including both the college and the private “It is crucial that South
sector, being informed about the current situation in
quality in teaching and learning in the country and Africa’s FET colleges
suggested tools on how they could improve their quality
of service in their respective organisations. position themselves
It is crucial that South Africa’s FET colleges position
themselves as institutions of choice for post-school
as institutions of
education, taking cognisance of the number of learners
flocking to universities in comparison with the FET choice for post-
colleges. Addressing the high-level conference, merSETA
CEO Dr Raymond Patel said that quality teaching and school education,
learning meant that both educators and learners were
involved in lifelong learning. taking cognisance
“Interesting studies have been done about institutions as
learning organisations and why some institutions could be
of the number of
seen as more successful than others. Visionary leadership
at the FET institutions is an essential element in institution learners flocking
building. However, vision-building is essentially a collective
activity and something that is not just the prerogative to universities in
of management. We have to ensure we have learning
organisations,” Dr Patel told delegates. comparison with the
“We are inclined to play the blame game when our
institutions and our learners are not successful. We
FET colleges.”
blame new curricula, changes in national and provincial
18 Achieve June 2012merSETA CEO Dr Raymond Patel delivering a keynote address
structures, but we very seldom ask ourselves what continuous professional development remains at the core
our professional role as educators is to ensure that we of quality teaching and learning.
implement new strategies relevant to our learners and to
society as a whole. In my view, the concept of relevance “Workplaces must also engage with all to ensure educator
means that what we teach and how we teach must have professional development is aligned to current knowledge
a currency in the marketplace. and practices in the workplace.,” he said.
“Are we educating our learners so that they can do a “We are glad to have been able to partner with the
job or are we educating our learners so that they are merSETA and our colleagues from Blackburn College and
employable and will have the knowledge, skills and values we look forward to enhancing the quality that we produce
to integrate successfully into workplaces or start their own not only in the FET college sector, but in other external,
businesses? In other words, can we remotely claim quality private sector organisations in South Africa”, Trish van der
in teaching and learning if we have not synchronised our Merwe, DCEO: Innovation and Development at Northlink
understandings of what is required by the world of work? College told delegates.
“From a Seta perspective, the world of education and The merSETA reaffirms its continued support for Northlink
training for and in the workplace is our focus and our College in its quest to improve the quality of teaching and
main concern. FETCs must be integral to SETA thinking, learning in the country.
planning and programmes,” Dr Patel said.
For further information:
“This partnership with Northlink College in collaboration Rene Bonzet
with Blackburn College for the future has been a match HOD: Corporate Communications & Marketing
made in heaven and we look forward to working with Tel: + 27 (021) 970 9046
them to further the quality in teaching and learning in the Email: rbonzet@northlink.co.za
country,” he added.
Bheki Mahlobo, acting Deputy Director General: Further
Education and Training (DHET), told delegates that
19Features
Santam launches
learnership
programme
South Africa’s leading short-term insurer, Santam, recently
launched a watershed motor vehicle learnership programme at
a glittering ceremony in Menlyn, Pretoria. The programme will
run over a period of three years and is aimed at addressing the
scarce skills shortage, writes Sibongiseni Ziinjiva Ka-Mnguni.
It was a moment of celebration as Santam committed • LEO ( lost economic opportunity), the money
to train nine learners on a motor vehicle learnership. unnecessarily spent on claims in respect to
Learners will complete the first year with a full qualification, inappropriate skills applied.
NQF Level 2 Automotive Body Repairer. The second year
He said Santam was committed to skills development
will be a skills programme consisting of a combination of
and would make sure appropriate skills development
unit standards at NQF Levels 3, 4 and 5. The last year
becomes a reality as outlined in their strategy.
will consist of a basic insurance qualification, 60 credits
and the full assessor development programme through
Speaking at the event, merSETA CEO Dr Raymond Patel,
Santam’s training fraternity.
said that apart from restoring to previous levels the lives
and possessions of people affected by adversity, the
Santam’s Gerhard Genis took the opportunity to thank
short-term industry must be congratulated on its social
the host companies, Motor Body Repairer (MBR) for
responsibility programmes.
accommodating Santam in this learnership and also
thanked the merSETA and South African Motor Body “Few know that Santam, while it is the largest short-
Repairer Association (SAMBRA) for their involvement and term insurer, is also committed to social transformation
support for the programme. and responsibility. The merSETA research indicates
that Santam spends 50% more than required on skills
He outlined Santam’s strategy and challenges in respect
development for previously disadvantaged individuals.
of motor assessors - the challenge in acquiring the
This is clearly above the 1.5% stipulated by the Financial
required skills with reference to the:
Sector Charter.
• The cost implications of scarce skills;
• The sustainability in respect to cost for scarce skills “Thus, congratulations on your Motor Vehicle Learnership
(the increase in acquiring these skills); Programme are in order. By offering this programme, you
• Importance of skills development for long-term are squarely in line with the merSETA’s vision of closing
sustainability of the entire motor industry; and the skills gap,” concluded Dr Patel.
20 Achieve June 2012“He said Santam
was committed to
skills development
and would make
sure appropriate
skills development
becomes a reality
as outlined in their
strategy. ”
Top and bottom: merSETA CEO Dr Raymond Patel and learners
21Features
New
decentralised
trade centre
established in the
Eastern Cape
By Sibongiseni Ziinjiva Ka-Mnguni
A historic moment unfolded in the Eastern Cape when the Lovedale Public FET College recently
signed a Service Level Agreement to establish a Decentralised Trade Test Centre in King William’s
Town. This development is a first for the college and the community of King William’s Town.
T
he move was welcomed by the community Adrian Estment became the first student to successfully
as apprentices previously had to travel to complete his Level 1 trade test in motor mechanics at the
Port Elizabeth to write their trade tests. newly-established centre. He is the first student to graduate
Delivering the keynote address, the CEO of since Lovedale Public FET College became a fully certified
Lovedale, Mr Nceba Stofile, emphasised that decentralised trade test centre for the automotive trade. He
the opening of the trade test centre would is an apprentice at Buffalo Toyota in King William’s Town. He
contribute to addressing the skills crisis in the country. completed his Level 1 training test which involves learning
areas such as how to carry out a minor service and measure
“In adherence to an earlier call made on colleges by engine components. He was also required to write a theory
the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade test upon completion of his two practical tests.
Nzimande, to forge partnerships and work towards
improving the quality of education, we are pleased that
we were able to heed the call and establish the centre.”
Representing the merSETA at the event was the merSETA
Eastern Cape Quality Assuror, Mr Yusree Petersen, who
“...we are
commented that the centre was welcome as the demand
for trade testing was significant in the area. “Over and
pleased that
above this, the merSETA will be conducting regular quality
assurance visits to ensure that Lovedale as a centre
we were able
constantly meets the stringest requirements to eliminate
any possible discrepancies.” to heed the call
The delegates present were taken on a tour of the and establish
the centre.”
workshops where the trade tests will be conducted and
expressed their satisfaction at the quality of the centre.
22 Achieve June 2012AA and the merSETA
join forces
By Achieve Correspondent
The Automobile Association (AA) and the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector
Education and Training Authority (merSETA) have joined forces to assist small companies in South
Africa. The two have started an apprenticeship training programme aimed at creating skilled artisans
for the Diesel Mechanic, Motor Mechanic and Auto Electrician trades.
The merSETA will provide financial support and the AA will As the merSETA supplies the grants, current merSETA
conduct the training at the Automobile Association Technical levy payers or companies exempt from paying levies,
College (AATC) in Midrand, Johannesburg. (with a payroll of less than R500 000 per annum), qualify
to participate. The merSETA will supply the apprentices
“South Africa’s skills shortage is a topic that continues to through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) beneficiary
stimulate debate, as seen in the 2012 Budget Speech. The programme. The AA will then screen candidates by
AA’s main focus is the consumer and we want to get more conducting psychometric test and practical assessments.
qualified artisans into the industry to improve the service
quality,” says Derek Hall-Jones, DM: Road Services and Only screened candidates will be provided to AA Quality
Technical at the AA. Assured (AAQA) and other interested companies for
employment. Within these companies, qualified tradesmen
“The partnership is set to address the shortage and bring in will act as mentors to the apprentices and ensure their
more qualified artisans by assisting businesses that do not competence after the three year training period.
have the resources to apply for grants.”
23Features
Eskom launches
new welding
initiative
By Natasha Odendaal
State-owned power utility Eskom launched the Welding School of
Excellence, its latest addition to the Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL)
The Midrand-based welding school, which falls under and engineers, are required over the next five years for
the EAL’s Artisan, Operating and Maintenance Centre of Eskom’s new build programme. This excludes the highly
Excellence, will train about 700 potential welders in the specialised skills required with technology transfers
next seven years at a cost of R357-million. The school associated with nuclear design and manufacturing.
currently has an enrolment of 150 learners, half of whom
are women. Gigaba, who officially opened the school, said it was
estimated that South Africa faced an immediate shortage
“This is one of the initiatives which will enable us to play of about 58 000 artisans, while 52% of the artisans in the
a leading role in developing critical and scarce skills, not manufacturing sector were unqualified and learning on-
only for Eskom, but for South Africa,” said Eskom CEO the-job rather than obtaining skills through an accredited
Brian Dames at the opening ceremony. The programme, training institution. Further, a significant social and
which is internationally accredited and recognised in 54 economic infrastructure public investment programme,
countries, was developed under the guidance of the which would be rolled out over the next five to 10 years,
Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) and will train would increase the demand for skills in the country.
welders, welding inspectors, coordinators, supervisors,
specialists, technologists and welding engineers. “The challenge of production adequate for these projects
is compounded by the reality that 30% of Eskom and
The school is part of Eskom’s professional welding capacity State-owned Transnet’s artisans, technicians and
development programme and aims to ensure adequate engineers are approaching retirement,” pointed out
skills are available as the company moves forward with Gigaba. To meet the New Growth Path’s target of creating
its projects. Eskom is currently undertaking a new build 50 000 additional artisans by 2015, the scale of the
programme, as well as maintaining and upgrading existing country’s artisan training programmes, as well as their
power stations for optimal performance. efficiency needed to be expanded.
However, the company has reported a shortage of Gigaba would use State-owned enterprises to kick off
sustainable welding-related skills, as the total welding skills development programmes and lead the way in
performance on the new build programme, as well as at strengthening South Africa’s economy and creating
existing power stations, does not meet their needs. This jobs. He indicated that State-owned companies are
has required the company to make use of foreign welding key to developing skills as they had the organisational
professionals. Public Enterprise Minister Malusi Gigaba capacity to stimulate demand in the economy through
said about 24 000 artisans, as well as 3 000 scientists building programmes.
24 Achieve June 2012“We need to expand our output thorough State-owned African Airways, South African Express and the South
company training facilities and enhance the Further African Forestry Company were also leveraging their
Education and Training system through partnerships and training facilities to produce scarce and critical skills for the
sharing of knowledge,” he explained. Eskom continues economy, concluded Gigaba.
to invest close to R1.3-billion each year in training and
skills development.
The EAL currently has an intake of 6 400 learners across
its schools, which include engineering, operational
services and artisan, operating and maintenance
“We need to expand
programmes. The company has committed to train an
additional 5 000 learners through its 24 training centres our output thorough
and 244 on the-job training sites.
“As a state-owned enterprise, we have been tasked with
State-owned company
playing a key role in skills development and job creation.
We have concrete plans to implement programmes
training facilities and
to develop scarce skills, which South Africa needs, in
partnership with the original equipment manufacturers that enhance the Further
supply Eskom, as well as with the Further Education and
Training colleges,” Dames said. Transnet has established
its own skills development programmes – “schools of
Education and Training
excellence” -- for each Transnet business unit.
system through
Gigaba pointed out that Transnet’s training spanned 20
campuses, which developed skills relating to ports, rail, partnerships and
pipelines and engineering. Further, the company provided
general bursaries to the value of R144-million and was
spending a further R73-million on artisan bursaries. The
sharing of knowledge.”
group was already training 854 artisans. Denel, South
25Success Stories
Brandon set to
shake the world
By Sibongiseni Ziinjiva Ka-Mnguni
The merSETA bursary holder, Brandon Kiesman, represents the new generation
of aspiring engineers intent on changing the face of engineering for the better. He
belongs to a generation inspired by the past, and propelled by the present. It was
after all Henry David Thoreau who said every generation laughs at the old fashions,
but follows religiously the new.
Brandon was born in Galeshewe, Kimberley, before his He is self-motivated and passionate about how things work.
family moved to Pretoria. His primary schooling was at He remarks that we often take things at face value, but as an
CS Fourie in Eesterus, outside Pretoria, before moving to industrial engineer, his role is to know the processes involved
Germiston High School where he matriculated. and come up with solutions to improve them.
He was an A-student at primary level, but his grades He is grateful for the opportunity granted by the merSETA
dropped mainly due to a change in schools. However, he to study further and is optimistic about the future.
completed his matric and immediately registered for the
National Diploma in Industrial Engineering at the University of “I see my speciality in pneumatics, hydraulics, oil
Johannesburg (UJ) where he is currently pursuing a B-Tech. pressure and air pressure. Research shows that there
are few people specialising in those fields. One of the
He acknowledged that the transition from high school positive features of engineering is the fact that it doesn’t
to university was a challenge as he had to change his confine you to doing one thing – I intend to branch out
normal routine. It is this routine that can make or break a of industrial engineering to mechanical engineering in the
person as some people take a while to adapt. future,” commented Brandon.
His career choice was largely influenced by a number of Like other youngsters growing up with a single parent,
factors. “Looking at what is required by the labour market he faced major challenges. His mother is a nurse and
right now and the fact that I was always the naughty one currently works in Saudi Arabia. Though he misses her,
at home, I always wanted to figure out how things work. I he has to reach his goal. “My family is supportive of me.
would break things and fix them, playing the handyman. I grew up surrounded by women, my mother and my
grandmother. They demand a lot from me…and they will
“I have always been eager to find out how the always demand the best and push me all the way.”
engineering process unfolds and how machinery works.
For example, the cup of coffee that you drink…do you He says the overwhelming support he receives serves as
know that a whole lot of work has gone into refining that an inspiration to do well academically.
coffee?” asks Brandon.
“It is not easy because I have to wake up very early in the
Fascinated by engineering, Brandon wants to be part of morning to catch a train from home to university. I spend
the generation that designs things and makes life easier about six hours travelling, and when I get home I have to
for other people. study. Sometimes the train gets delayed and I get home
26 Achieve June 2012merSETA bursary holder - Brandon Kiesman
round about 22:00 but you still have to wake up at 4 o’clock
in the morning. It can take its toll on you as a person.”
“One of the positive
Towards the end of his National Diploma, he did his P1 features of engineering
and P2 practicals at Automotive Development Centre at
the Ford Incubation Centre, where he did the basics of is the fact that it doesn’t
Industrial Engineering.
“We were exposed to a number of things, but it also
confine you to doing
demanded a knowledgeable mentor. With confidence,
I was able to apply the theory I had learned at
one thing...”
university quite well.”
The 22-year-old has his future mapped out. “In the This discipline is crucial to the creation of wealth.
next five years, I would like to see myself in a junior
management position.” According to Mr Dieter Hartman, Councillor: Southern
African Institute of Industrial Engineering, South Africa has
Research shows that Industrial Engineers are much about 10 000 active engineers. Industrial engineering, he
sought after in the modern era where technology has says, is the fastest growing field of engineering, especially
become the norm. Industrial Engineering is concerned in the USA.
with the integration of resources and processes into
cohesive strategies, structures and systems for the “We are greatly in demand in the banking sector,
effective and efficient production of quality goods insurance sector; we cross over from the manufacturing
and services. which is our original home, to services, into government,
into healthcare etc,” he explains.
It draws upon specialised knowledge and skills in the
mathematical, physical, behavioural, economic and
management science and fuses them with the principles
and methods of engineering analysis and design to find
practical solutions.
27Success Stories
2011
merseta
Bursary graduates
Llewell Heinrich Noluxolo Kortjan Jan Mbongeni Mahlangu
Cupido Mechanical Engineering Information Technology Chemical Engineering
Cape Penisula University of Technology Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Tshwane University of Technology
Pharell Obenebot Sbongile Cassius Chabani Morongwa Martha Mashigo
Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Cape Penisula University of Technology Tshwane University of Technology Tshwane University of Technology
Fauzia Sasman Thulani George Gadlela Karabo Answer Masuku
Chemical Engineering Production Management Electrical Engineering
Cape Penisula University of Technology Tshwane University of Technology Tshwane University of Technology
Bridget Tshamano Motlasi Evaistus Matsunyane Dyondzo Chauke
Chemical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Cape Penisula University of Technology Tshwane University of Technology University of Johannesburg
Makhoro Samuel Motaung Philangenkosi Peacival Mnqayi Akani Edwin Chuma
Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Central University of Technology Tshwane University of Technology University of Johannesburg
Mongezi Joshua Pepeteni Gift Mpho Mudau Mahlatsi Confindence Lekoane
Mechanical Engineering Industrial Engineering Metallurgical Engineering
Central University of Technology Tshwane University of Technology University of Johannesburg
Musa Phillemon Lokothwayo Ophelia Mamodutong Phala Rendani Mashamba
Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Durban University of Technology Tshwane University of Technology University of Johannesburg
Luvuyo Booi Lydia Popi Phoshoko Nobomi Ntombizodwa Mateza
Mechatronics Engineering Electrical Engineering Accounting
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Tshwane University of Technology University of Johannesburg
Xavier Charles Fritz Dumisane Thabang Gugulethu Busisiwe Mpungose
Mechatronics Engineering Electrical Engineering Accounting
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Tshwane University of Technology University of Johannesburg
28 Achieve June 2012Philani Ndumiso Mvula Lloyd Matthew Blackbeard Nkhetheni Mabuda
Industrial Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
University of Johannesburg University of Kwa-Zulu Natal Vaal University of Technology
Terrence Mogomotsi Pheko Nthulane Obbakeng Titus Makgato Tshilidzi Emmanuel Mamedzi
Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering Chemical Engineering
University of Johannesburg University of Pretoria Vaal University of Technology
Pearl Keneiloe Shavhani Nonhlanhla Manana Edwin Maome
Chemical Engineering Industrial Engineering Electrical Engineering
University of Johannesburg University of Pretoria Vaal University of Technology
Promise Sethembiso Ngema Fulufhelo Nomraid Mariba Cole Douglas Noble
Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering
University of Johannesburg University of Pretoria University of the Witwatersrand
Thembelihle Elizabeth Nkonyane Katlego Micheal Ntlhoro
Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
University of Johannesburg University of Pretoria
Tsakani Radebe Khumbudzo Netshivhangoni
Mechanical Engineering Industrial Engineering
University of Johannesburg Vaal University of Technology
29The merSETA joins
in the hosting of
South African
Automotive Week
By Independent correspondent
The merSETA is joining hands with industry in the hosting of the 23rd edition of South
African Automotive Week (SAAW) - the intellectual gathering and market place for automotive
manufacturing and related role players on the continent.
31Events
SAAW takes place from 10 to 13 October in Port Governing Board members, including chairperson Ms
Elizabeth under the endorsement of The National Phindile Nzimande.
Association of Component and Allied Manufacturers NAACAM AGM is also scheduled to take place at
(NAACAM), National Association of Automobile SAAW on 11October. The merSETA will also have a
Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) and the Retail strong presence within the week, having reserved an
Motor Industry Organisation (RMI). exhibition stand at the trade show to engage industry
and communicate its programmes and activities to the
Skills development, job creation and auto manufacturing manufacturing sector.
growth in South Africa underpin the purpose of the
week which includes an international trade show, several The SAAW project director Andrew Binning said that there
conferences, site tours and networking functions. The is unprecedented local and international interest in the
merSETA has also confirmed that its Eastern Cape third SAAW.
Regional Breakfast AGM will take place as part of the
activities of SAAW, within the trade show area on Friday, Feedback and the level of interest shown to date
October 12 at 08H30. point to SAAW 2012 being “twice as big and twice as
influential as SAAW 2009”. The initiative is generally held
Objectives of the AGM include: every two years.
• Consideration and adoption of the Annual Report
“We have commitment that the national and
with the Annual Financial Statements for the Financial
international presence will be bigger than the previous
Year; and
SAAW. Africa is seen as a growth market.” The recent
• Discussion of any issues raised;
announcement by the Chinese truck manufacturer
FAW to establish a manufacturing plant at Coega
The merSETA AGM will be hosted by the merSETA CEO
was proof of this, Binning said. There has also
Dr Patel, accompanied by his senior management and
been interest from trade groups in Britain where the
32 Achieve June 2012Delegates at the South African Automotive Week
XX
Department of Trade and Industry (dti) is arranging an
in-bound mission to SAAW. “We have
“There is already much interest in a breakfast
conference hosted by the original equipment
commitment
manufacturers (OEMs) to share trends and perspectives
with the suppliers. One of the breakthroughs of that the national
and international
SAAW 2009 was the first-ever informal meeting of key
suppliers to all South African based OEMs and the
OEM procurement directors. The SAAW 2009 was one
of the first industry events in South Africa to introduce
a formal match-making meeting programme.
presence will be
“We helped organise over 300 meetings, and over 11 bigger than the
percent of exhibitors closed deals worth more than half a
million rand each,” Binning said. previous SAAW.
Recognising the value of SAAW, the industry is supporting
the event in the form of sponsorships of a number
Africa is seen as a
of activities and events for SAAW 2012. The main
event is supported by the Eastern Cape Development growth market.”
Corporation, the Coega Development Corporation and
the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Comprehensive
information and booking details are available online at
www.saaw.co.za
33Events
Quarter
Events of the
The month of June is a significant month in that as a country we celebrate the youth of 1976. The youth of 1976
took it upon themselves to throw stones at the oppressor in protest against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of
instruction. Fast forward, the youth of 2012 is gathering the stones to build and develop the new South Africa and
the merSETA was in the forefront of this revolution. The merSETA joined in the celebrations by participating in a
number of career exhibitions. The aim of the exhibitions was to sensitise learners about the critical and scarce skills
in the manufacturing and engineering sector.
Anti-clockwise from top: The merSETA celebrated youth month in East London and Soweto career expos; Orion College career exhibition;
Sekhukhune career expo in Limpopo; Botshabelo career expo; Soshanguve career fair and Beaufort West career exhibition
34 Achieve June 2012You can also read
